Rate My Professor James Turnell

James Turnell, PhD, is a dedicated academic and technical leader at the University of New England (UNE), currently holding the positions of Lecturer and Senior Technical Officer (Lead) in Animal Science and Environmental Management in the School of Environmental and Rural Science. With qualifications including a B.Nat.Res.(Hons) and PhD, as well as certification as a Health and Safety Representative, Turnell brings extensive practical experience to his roles. In teaching, he coordinates the unit ENGT237 Local Environmental Infrastructure, which focuses on practical aspects of environmental systems, and teaches within Agricultural Systems & Resource Management, equipping students with knowledge on sustainable agricultural practices. His research specializations include Environmental Management, Waste Management, the Circular Economy, Composting processes, and Food waste reduction strategies, areas critical to modern sustainability challenges.

Turnell's distinguished career history spans significant leadership in waste management. As former Waste Manager for Armidale Regional Council, he spearheaded the implementation of award-winning programs for food and garden waste collections, alongside developing composting processing infrastructure that enhanced local recycling capabilities. He oversaw the comprehensive planning, development, construction, and operational management of a new regional landfill facility. Furthermore, Turnell developed and executed landfill closure plans to ensure environmental compliance and long-term site rehabilitation. His responsibilities extended to managing all waste and recycling collection and processing services, and ensuring adherence to environmental regulations and licensing requirements for waste operations. Beyond the council, he served as Executive Officer for the Northern Inland Regional Waste group (NIRW), acted as Deputy Chair of RENEW, and contributed as a member of the NSW Environmental Trust’s Technical Review Panel for the Waste Less Recycle More Composting Infrastructure Grants program. These appointments highlight his influence and impact in advancing circular economy principles and waste reduction across regional Australia.